Quick sewing project: Lantern with SCHMETZ Hemstitch Needle
How about a quick, creative project?
This tutorial will show you how, with the help of the SCHMETZ Hemstitch Needle, you can conjure up a beautiful, warm light decoration using fabric and a simple glass – just perfect for cozy evenings or as a charming gift. You only need a few ingredients, and you can gain experience with decorative stitching. So, what are you waiting for? Let's get started!
#giftidea #christmasdecorations #lantern
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
- Glass vase or drinking glass – preferably with a straight shape
- Cotton fabric (loosely woven, e.g. flag cloth), nettle, or linen – matching the size of the glass
Tip: For a normal drinking glass, a fabric of approx. 30 cm x 30 cm is sufficient. - Sewing or embroidery thread – matching the color of the fabric
- Spray starch and/or embroidery stabilizer (non-woven backing) for stabilization
- Tealight or a small string of lights
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter (or a suitable template) – matching the size of the glass
- Removable fabric marker for drawing
- Sewing machine with zigzag foot and zigzag needle plate
TIPS HOW TO USE THE HEMSTITCH NEEDLE
- Select a thread color that matches your fabric. If you select a contrasting color, the focus is on the thread and not on the decorative holes.
- Use stitch types where the needle penetrates the same hole several times, e.g. a triple straight stitch, a triple zigzag stitch, or an appliqué stitch. Check if your machine offers special hemstitch options.
- Use the hand wheel for sewing the first stitches to make sure that the needle does not hit the presser foot. Reduce the stitch width, if necessary.
- Test the seam on leftover fabric to check the thread tension and stitch length.
- Optional: Place embroidery stabilizer under the fabric.
CUTTING
Prepare fabric:
Spray the fabric several times with spray starch and iron it to ensure it is smooth and stiff and does not wrinkle during sewing.
Cut fabric strips:
- Height = glass height + 5 cm (This includes 2 x 1 cm for upper and lower hems.)
- Length = glass circumference + 3 cm minimum (Better to have a little extra so that the beginnings and ends of the seams can be trimmed before sewing them together.)
Here we go
Iron 2 × 1 cm to the reverse side on the top and bottom. Then use the Universal Needle to stich along the outer edge.
Insert the Hemstitch Needle into the machine. Do not use an automatic threader – the eye is smaller than with standard needles. Sew a hemstitch seam below each hem.
Use the heart-shaped cookie cutter and removable fabric marker to draw a heart in the center of the fabric, on the fabric face. Sew along the line that you have drawn. Iron all seams.
Note: Depending on the type of removable marker, you have to remove the line before ironing.
Place the fabric around the glass with the reverse side facing outwards, pin the side seam. Insert the Universal Needle into the sewing machine and sew the side seam. If you wish, you can carefully remove the embroidery stabilizer. Trim the seam allowances to 1 cm and finish them as desired.
Turn the fabric right side out and put the glass and tealight or string of lights into the lantern. Finished!
Now it's time to lie back and let the light work its magic.
Looking for inspiration?
Whether on warm summer evenings out on the balcony or on cozy winter days in the living room – handmade lanterns always create a special atmosphere. With carefully selected fabrics and a variety of patterns or motifs, they can be designed to suit your individual style. This makes every lantern a unique piece – no matter the season.
